Eystein I (ca. 1088 - August 29, 1123) (Norwegian: Øystein) was king of Norway from 1103 to 1123. Eystein became king together with his brothers Sigurd and Olaf when his father Magnus Barefoot died in 1103. Olaf died in 1115 at a young age, leaving Eystein and Sigurd as co-rulers until Eystein's death in 1123, when Sigurd became the sole ruler of Norway. While Sigurd was on crusade from 1107 to 1101, Eystein served as regent for the whole country. His relationship to Sigurd was strained, but open conflict was avoided. Whereas Sigurd made Norway known abroad, Eystein worked for economic and cultural progress within Norway. Eystein constructed several churches, Munkeliv monastery in Bergen, a port in Agdenes and hostels for travellers. He also brought Jämtland under Norwegian rule, according to the saga of Sigurd and his brothers in the Heimskringla. Eystein and his wife Ingebjørg Guttormsdatter had a daughter, Maria Øysteinsdatter, who was the mother of royal pretender Olav Ugjæva (Olaf the Unlucky). Olaf was named king in 1166, but was subsequently defeated by Magnus V (Magnus Erlingsson) and forced to flee the country.
External links
- The Saga of Sigurd, Øystein and Olaf in the Heimskringla
- Alexander Linklater, 'The King Who Listened', The Guardian, December 23 2006 (a retelling of Ívars þáttr Ingimundarsonar)
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Eystein Magnusson
Cadet branch of the Fairhair dynasty
Born: 1088 Died: August 29 1123 |
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| Regnal titles | ||
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| Preceded by Magnus Barefoot |
King of Norway 1103-1123 with Olaf Magnusson (1103-1115) Sigurd Jorsalfar |
Succeeded by Sigurd Jorsalfar |
